TAX TIPS FROM THE SC DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

â While you're at our website, have you thought about filing your South Carolina income tax return by SCnetFile? SCnetFile is just one of the three ways to file your tax return electronically. You also can file by computer using commercial software or you can have a certified tax preparer joint-file your state and federal returns by computer, and some taxpayers can file over the telephone. If you choose one of these convenient electronic filing methods, you could have your direct deposit refund in about 12 days!

â Before you file that return, have you checked it for errors?

Here is a check off to help you avoid those common errors that can delay your refund:

q Have you checked your math?

q Have you included all necessary attachments, including all W-2 and 1099 forms?

q Did you list your Social Security number and those of dependents you claimed on your return?

q Have you attached a check for taxes owed?

q If you are mailing a paper return, have you applied the proper postage? (The post office will not deliver your return to the Department of Revenue without proper postage, and that will slow the processing of your refund.)

q Have you and your spouse signed your return?

And don't forget to make copies of your tax return should you have to send a duplicate copy to the Department of Revenue.

â  Wondering where your tax refund is? There are two easy ways to check on your refund 24/7. In both cases, all you need is your Social Security number and the expected amount of your refund. First, you can check your refund status online -- right here at our website! Or, you can call the Department of Revenue automated number at (803) 898-5300. Again, you'll need your Social Security number and expected amount of your refund.

â Don't throw out that tax booklet! You'll need two important pieces of information from your state income tax booklet! Using your personalized mailing label from the back of the tax booklet and the envelope found inside are tools that will help the Department of Revenue speed your refund. If you are filing electronically, your label may contain your personal identification number. So, don't throw away that booklet. 

â Need more time to file your South Carolina tax return?There are two easy methods to buy you some time. First, use one of our "Fast File" electronic filing methods. If you file electronically, you have until May 1 to file and pay your state income taxes. That's two extra weeks to file! Or, you can file for an extension at our website. Just visit SCnetFile for the SC4868 extension.

â Time to have those tax returns filled out? Here are a few things you might want to do before you pick a tax preparer: Check the background of the tax preparer you are considering. Have they kept up with tax training and new innovations in tax filing? Have they been around for awhile? Do they have references and a successful track record for filing returns properly? Will they be there for you if you are audited? Beware of tax preparers promising larger refunds than you anticipate. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And remember, do not sign your return without checking all the information on the return. YOU are responsible for the information on your return once it is filed.

â Did you know you can find a professional tax preparer at the DOR website? At our website, you can link with the Internal Revenue Service database of tax preparers. They are listed by zip code, and you can find one in your area who participates in the federal-state electronic filing program.

âYou've completed your state tax return and find you owe money this year. Here's a hassle-free way to pay:   File electronically and, upon your request, the Department of Revenue will withdraw money automatically from your checking or savings account on the day YOU tell us. It's called Electronic Funds Withdrawal, or EFW. You can even make partial payments by EFW or pay your estimated taxes this way. Don't forget that if you file electronically, you have until May 1 to pay what you owe.

âThe South Carolina Department of Revenue is working to make registering your new business a piece of cake. One innovative way we are doing this is through the website www.scbos.com. There you will find South Carolina Business One Stop – or SCBOS – where you can navigate through the often complex process of registering your new business. The site will allow for an electronic "one-stop shop" for South Carolina businesses to register and obtain permits and licensing. Try it out! South Carolina Business One Stop at www.scbos.com.

âNeed a copy of your tax return from a previous year? Call the Department of Revenue at (803) 896-1164. There is a charge for this service.